The Irish Independent's View: Coalition spending too much of its time managing self-inflicted crises

"It was hastily taken down following "feedback" from those who featured in it. A gale of derision from the opposition for it being "tone-deaf" played a part. Labour leader Ivana Bacik said the film was a "move beyond satire". Housing Minister James Browne accepted his department was "misconceived" in sharing the video. Defending it, Taoiseach Micheál Martin had insisted there is a need to "avoid knee-jerk reactions to genuine initiatives". Knee-jerk or not, wiser counsel prevailed and it was "disappeared" at whiplash speed."

"With his head ringing from one completely avoidable skirmish, Mr Martin was taking fire for another. Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty had him in his sights over the new HSE charge. He told the Taoiseach: "It's like you can't stop yourself from making life harder for people. "You're putting huge stress on elderly people during the Christmas period, when they know now that they're going to have to face these charges come January.""

"Labour health spokeswoman Marie Sherlock was just as scathing, suggesting that not putting a blister pack service in place was a "recipe for confusion". The medication is divided into daily doses, something that is essential for some of our most vulnerable people. Mr Martin was soon conceding, saying: "The Government will interrogate this again, with the HSE and others.""

The Coalition suffered embarrassment after a Department of Housing social media video was removed following criticism and feedback from those featured. Opposition figures labelled the film tone-deaf and Labour called it beyond satire, while the Housing Minister described the decision to share it as misconceived. The Taoiseach defended the initiative initially but the video was quickly withdrawn. The Government then faced further criticism over a proposed €50 charge for medical blister packs, with opponents warning of added stress on elderly and vulnerable patients. The Taoiseach said the matter will be re-examined with the HSE and others.

Read at Irish Independent